Patent · US Expired

Writing implement sterilization apparatus

US6039928A · kind A · utility

39Cited by
16References
26Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 28, 1998
Grant dateMar 21, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 28, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61L2/10
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A writing implement sterilization apparatus having ultraviolet sterilization in an enclosed container to kill bacteria and other disease carrying organisms. The invention comprises a horizontal or vertical container into which a user places pens, pencils, or other writing implements to be sterilized. An ultraviolet source within the container irradiates the writing implement thereby killing any microorganisms that might reside on the writing implements. Ultraviolet radiation below 200 nm can also be used thereby creating ozone gas having germicidal characteristics. The ozone gas is circulating in and around the writing implements thereby providing further sterilization together with the ultraviolet radiation. An interlocking switch turns the UV source off when the container is opened.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.